Located south of Mexico, Guatemala has more than 16 million people making it the most populous in Central America.

​It is a country shaped by ancient civilizations, volcanoes, and earthquakes.

It has the highest poverty rate in Latin America with 60% of the population lives below the poverty line on $2.00 a day and 30% live on less than a $1.00 a day.

The average Guatemalan attends school for 5 1/2 years total. 70% of Guatemalan women are illiterate, most leave school by the end of third grade.

WHAT WE'RE DOINGTrades of Hope is changing these statistics by partnering with the talented artisans groups of Guatemala to share their products with the United States. Because of this, the women of Guatemala are providing for their families, given the opportunity to attend school and learn basic principles that will help them move ahead in life. Young girls are receiving structured learning programs full of practical skills that enables them to become self-reliant and financially independent. These incredible artisans are treated with respect and are taught that they and their dreams have so much value. By purchasing their products you are directly helping create and sustain jobs, changing generations to come in Guatemala! ​

Founders Holly, Elisabeth, and Gretchen are pictured (above, left) with one of our artisans in Guatemala. A Vision Team of COMPASSIONATE ENTREPRENEURS celebrating breaking the cycle of poverty with some of our Guatemalan artisans and some girls who live in a safe home our product sales help support.